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Program Director Robotics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$142K - $224K/yr

Our Company is seeking an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a ... The position will provide leadership across the lifecycle of multiple programs, from early concept ...

Our Company is seeking an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a ... The position will provide leadership across the lifecycle of multiple programs, from early concept ...

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Program Director Robotics information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do program director robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director robotics in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a program director robotics do?

A Program Director in Robotics oversees the planning, implementation, and management of robotics-related programs within an organization or institution. They coordinate teams of engineers, researchers, and support staff to ensure projects meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets. Their responsibilities often include setting strategic goals, securing funding, managing stakeholder relationships, and staying current with technological advancements in robotics. They play a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring the successful execution of robotics initiatives.

How does a program director robotics typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Program Director in Robotics regularly works with cross-functional teams, including engineers, product managers, software developers, and business strategists, to align project goals and timelines. They facilitate communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure that each team is aware of dependencies and expectations. Effective collaboration often involves leading regular project meetings, setting clear milestones, and integrating feedback from various departments to optimize product development and deployment. This collaborative approach helps maintain project momentum and ensures that deliverables meet both technical standards and business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program director robotics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Director Robotics, you need a solid background in robotics engineering, project management, and leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with robotics platforms, automation tools, project management software, and certifications such as PMP are commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team leadership skills help drive innovation and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure successful program execution, effective resource management, and the ability to adapt to technological advancements in robotics.

What is the difference between Program Director Robotics vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectProgram Director RoboticsRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team coordination, strategic planningDesign, develop, test robotic systems
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, manufacturingRobotics firms, R&D departments, automation companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Program Director Robotics oversees multiple projects, manages teams, and aligns robotics initiatives with organizational goals. In contrast, Robotics Engineers focus on designing and building robotic systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Program Director emphasizes leadership and strategic planning, whereas the Robotics Engineer concentrates on technical development and implementation.

What cities are hiring for Program Director Robotics jobs?

Cities with the most Program Director Robotics job openings:

What states have the most Program Director Robotics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Program Director Robotics jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Program Director Robotics jobs?

For Program Director Robotics jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Program Director Robotics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Program Director, NPD Robotics

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Smith & Nephew
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Smith & Nephew rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. NPD Program Director Robotics Manager's Name Michael Furst Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities Job description for posting The NPD Program Director Robotics will create a clear sense of urgency, transparency in reporting, and effective resource management to ensure projects are delivered on-time, at budget, and with high-quality. The Program Director will apply best practices to ensure delivery of specific projects and on-going releases of SW platforms. They will ensure delivery is compliant with all Quality Management Systems and Medical Device best practices. They will manage day-to-day project execution including all reporting of progress, risk identification, mitigation planning, and problem resolution. The role will work closely with R&D and Commercial partners to ensure projects maximize business value per project charter and to develop an overall program pipeline strategy that aligns with key product group strategies and priorities. The Program Director, Robotic Surgical Applications and Enabling Technologies reports to the Senior Director, NPD PMO, Robotics and Enabling Technologies.
What will you be doing?
• Core team leader/project manager of significant and complex strategic products consisting of HW, embedded systems, workflow automation, and cloud applications within a connected digital ecosystem.
• Direct responsibility for leading and delivering projects on time, within budget and with minimal long-term sustaining engineering required.
• Forms and leads cross-functional new product development teams to deliver project objectives. Fosters teamwork within project team and with other groups. Works with partner groups to gain alignment and support to achieve project objectives.
• Develops and maintains detailed project schedules and budgets for assigned projects. Leads tactical project execution. Provides direct and regular communication to senior management on progress, opportunities and issues. Additionally, interacts with Franchise leadership to help set Franchise direction for product pipeline and product commercialization.
• Oversees the design and implementation of cloud applications and services. Applies Agile development methodologies and leverages DevOps practices
• Collaborates with key project sponsors across the range of cross-functional expertise and competencies necessary for the successful commercialization of prioritized projects.
• Contributes to monthly Phase Review project governance process and yearly portfolio planning. Routinely reports on the status of the project relative to the schedule, budgets, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensures design control requirements are met for project. Contributes to the Design History File (DHF). Ensures a quality focus and that customer needs are met.
• Actively leads development activities for complex electromechanical systems and software development. This includes the integration of software technical project management with design control activities.
• Facilitates Engineering Design Reviews, Systems Requirements, Vendor Review Meetings, and other cross functional meetings, as needed. Ensures proper documentation of the proceedings and follows up on any incomplete action items.
• Fosters an environment of collaboration, continuous improvement and best practices.
What will you need to be successful?
• A minimum 10 years' Program Management experience with a demonstrated ability to influence the organization and process evolution to a future vision of large-scale product platforms.
• Successful history of large, multi-disciplinary project leadership in a MedTech / medical devices environment, including experience developing Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and Medical Device Data Systems (MDDS), IOT solutions, or complex electromechanical systems such as robotics. Familiarity with FDA regulations and processes is preferred.
• Cloud / Hosted SW project management experience is desirable as is a technical background in such systems. Experience with solutions of this type in the regulated medical field is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience with Project Management and Agile best practices. PMP, Agile/ScrumMaster certifications preferred with demonstrated experience with tool suites and platforms that facilitate these work processes. [Ex: MS Project, Project Server, JIRA, JAMA, Confluence, Sharepoint, Teams, etc.]
• Proven organizational change management skills, to be the catalyst for global teams and spearhead the transformation to a fail-fast, learn-fast culture. Excellent negotiation, facilitation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Innovative, self-motivated, high energy and results driven.
• Demonstrated ability to build interdependent internal and external partnerships, acting as the mediator between organizations while optimizing the value proposition and global customer focus.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functionally without direct line management authority. Leading projects with mix of local, remote, and offshore contributors is a plus.
• Executive presentation skills, a collaborative approach, the ability to connect, and the ability to manage complexity and ambiguity including the ability to zoom-in/zoom-out for strategic and tactical, high-level, and detailed discussions.
• Up to approximately 10% domestic and international travel. This position is our Pittsburgh, PA office and may require periodic program-related travel to other Smith + Nephew development locations.
• B.S degree in Engineering or equivalent in related discipline: electrical engineering, software engineering, integrated systems engineering, bio-medical engineering, or mechanical engineering preferred.
You Unlimited.
  • Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/
  • Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
  • Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
  • Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
  • Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
  • Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
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